restaurants

Industry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technology

From Kitchen to Customer

by Katie Lee

— By Eric Symon — Keeping restaurants connected to enhance the customer experience.     One of the biggest challenges that restaurant owners face is implementing technological advancements to stay current with customer demands. According to a recent survey conducted by Panasonic, 100% of foodservice operators found that the COVID-19 pandemic intensified their sense of urgency to adopt transformational technology. As the industry experiences challenges with labor and an increase in customer preferences for touchless options, adopting such technologies is even more important. Additionally, today’s customer has new priorities whether …

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Papa John’s Promotes Max Wetzel to Expanded Role as EVP, Chief Commercial Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Papa John’s International, Inc. has promoted Max Wetzel to executive vice president, chief commercial officer. Wetzel joined Papa John’s in November 2019 as its chief commercial and marketing officer; in his new, expanded role, he will add North America restaurant operations, technology and insights to his responsibilities. “Over the past 2 years, Papa John’s has fully transformed itself from a turnaround story to an innovation-driven growth business with enormous development whitespace,” says Papa John’s president and CEO, Rob Lynch. “Over the same period, the pandemic also accelerated changes …

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CKE Restaurants Strengthens Operating Structure, Announces Management Promotions

by Katie Lee

Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), owner, operator and franchisor of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, recently announced a new operating structure that combines restaurant operations and supply chain under John Dunion, a 25-year company veteran (pictured). The new structure drives focus on brand operations, accountability, ownership and execution across the U.S. business. “John is an excellent leader with a penchant for team building and moxie for driving successful business outcomes,” says CEO Ned Lyerly. “John knows our business inside and out, has an excellent rapport with our franchisees …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

McHugh Construction Begins Historic Restoration of Ramova Theater in Chicago

by Katie Lee

Chicago — McHugh Construction has begun the highly anticipated historic renovation of Chicago’s Ramova Theater, a 36,000-square-foot project that includes restoring the theater and building out adjacent space for a new brewery and restaurant on Halsted Street. Originally built in 1929, the Ramova Theater has been vacant since 1985. In August, McHugh began selective demolition and investigation of existing conditions in the building, which will once again be a community anchor for the Bridgeport neighborhood following completion of construction in late 2022. “We’re honored that the public-private partnership of the …

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Caribou Coffee Launches Domestic Franchise Program

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee®, a national premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands portfolio concept, has launched its domestic franchise program. Since its inception in 1992, Caribou Coffee has grown to more than 718 locations systemwide including 314 company-owned coffeehouses primarily across the Midwest. Caribou Coffee’s domestic franchise launch marks the first time interested candidates in the U.S. have an opportunity to own and operate coffeehouses which were previously only available internationally, through non-traditional or licensing. Industry-leading innovations in restaurant design have further positioned Caribou Coffee for nationwide expansion, including the 2019 …

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AllPoints Hires Senior Vice President of Sales

by Katie Lee

Mt. Prospect, Ill. — AllPoints, a global foodservice parts and supplies provider, recently hired Jim Nelson as senior vice president of sales. In his new role, Nelson will be responsible for leading the AllPoints sales team in driving new market penetration and for spearheading customer relationships. Nelson has over 20 years of experience driving company revenue and improving sales and operational performance. In his most recent role, Nelson was responsible for all brand sales in both retail and commercial channels and led his team to significantly increase both sales and …

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“Tech”-tonic Shift

by Katie Lee

— By Daniel Estrada — The new frontier for restaurants in the back of the house.   If it feels like the restaurant industry has been in the headlines for the last year — it’s because it has. Restaurants are all over the news cycle, with stories ranging from closings to openings, pivots to changing businesses, and a pandemic-inspired boom for tech platforms and digital innovation across all aspects of the industry. From apps that streamline takeout orders and table assignments to staff scheduling and invoice collection, the front-of-house is …

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David Graves Promoted to Pizza Hut U.S. President, Effective January 1, 2022

by Katie Lee

Plano, Texas — Pizza Hut has promoted David Graves to president of Pizza Hut U.S., reporting to Pizza Hut division CEO Aaron Powell, effective January 1, 2022. Graves currently serves as general manager of Pizza Hut U.S. and will succeed the interim president of Pizza Hut U.S., Kevin Hochman. “David has a well-deserved reputation for delivering results, repeatedly demonstrating his expertise in identifying solutions to business challenges that not only enhance the experience for customers, but also benefit restaurant economics, and I couldn’t be more pleased by his promotion,” says …

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Harrison Partners with Fogo de Chão to Design Fort Lauderdale Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Dallas-based global design consulting firm Harrison has been enlisted by Fogo de Chão to apply its branding, interior design and architectural expertise to several of the brand’s new restaurants across the country, including its upcoming Fort Lauderdale, Fla., location. Harrison will oversee the interior design and architecture for the restaurant, slated to open in 2022. Fogo first announced plans to open its fifth Florida location on the corner of Southeast Third Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year. “We are delighted to …

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Biscuit Belly Signs Area Development Deal in Georgia and 5-Unit JV Deal in Nashville

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Biscuit Belly, a chef-driven fast-casual breakfast and brunch concept, has signed development agreements for 10 franchised units, five of which will be located in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with an additional five units to be built in the Nashville DMA. These two agreements are in addition to the 10 units signed earlier this spring, resulting in commitments for a total of 20 units in the first 9 months of 2021. The brand also plans to expand with additional company-owned restaurants in the Louisville and Southern Indiana markets. …

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